Work underway to save one of Blackpool's oldest pubs where local heroes once gathered for a drink

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Restoration work is underway to bring one of Blackpool's most historic pubs back to life.

Substantial investment is taking place at The Lifeboat Inn on Foxhall Road, which is one of the oldest buildings in Blackpool and sits in the heart of the resort's tourism district.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Work underway at The Lifeboat Inn in Blackpool - LDRS

A planning application submitted to the council by Star Pubs and Bars Ltd sets out a comprehensive list of repairs which need to be done to the building which dates back to the mid-19th century and is locally listed.

A planning statement says: "The site is a licensed premises occupied by the client's business that is currently closed while urgent structural repair work is undertaken to rebuild and stabilise the external wall including replacing existing rotten timber lintels in line with the structural engineers specifications."

Originally called the Wylies Hotel, the Lifeboat Inn is believed to have been used as a meeting place for the local men who manned the lifeboats in Blackpool.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

External work is set to include new rendering, repairs to damaged decorative surrounds and window trims and replacement of architectural details that cannot be saved due to reconstruction of the front two-storey building wall. Ground floor timber sash windows will be refurbished along with pilasters, fluted corbels and plinths.

The planning application adds: "The proposal ensures the safety and survival of the building in its current form for future generations and will provide substantial benefits for the area, in terms of economic growth."

The Lifeboat Inn pictured before work started (Google)

Repairs will preserve the historic features of the pub and "provide a much-needed refresh of the exterior of the premises to improve the current offer while meeting commercial expectations and present-day needs for the future of the business".

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The applicant adds in their submission: "Overall this represents a significant investment by Star Pubs and Bars Ltd in the building and its community while further ongoing investment and maintenance in the future are essential for the long-term protection and use of the building. The application will enable the public house to be sympathetically repaired and maintained, thus contributing to the preservation and enhancement of the heritage asset."

The application (reference 24/0364) will now be considered by town hall planners.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.